Reasons why I love my SClass!

[Sp!ke]

Because it was accepted by two separate courts that motorcycles filter and this act does not automatically mean they are at fault, wholly or partially.... this is in stark contradiction to earlier cases.

Subsequent to this test case, motorcyclists in their hundreds have been succesfuly defending themselves using this case law.

If thats not enough....

On Page 28 of the Highway Code, under rules for drivers and motorcyclists , Filtering is mentioned as follows:

‘Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers can see you in their mirrors. Additionally when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.

The Highway Code recognises that filtering by motorcycles in traffic is an accepted and legally recognised practice.

Splitting lanes and filtering does indeed need to be defined as the two are considered very different.

MAG recommends a commonly understood and practical set of definitions so that consistent policies can be introduced and maintained when considering these issues in the future.

MAG UK recommends that the definition of ‘filtering’ be that of ‘moving between traffic when other surrounding traffic is stationary or slow moving (no more than to 20 mph)’.

A further definition of ‘Lane Splitting’ could be introduced which is that of ‘moving through traffic when other traffic is in motion over a speed limit of 20 mph’. (It can also refer to overtaking within the same marked lane in moving traffic). *This may answer your point Dieselman.

This would help policy makers, police and insurers to separate and define safe riding practices from unsafe riding practices.

 

[amwebby]

In the cases I have read the motorcyclist was in a lane. Admonition from the HC to take care when filtering may be a tacit acceptance that motorcyclists do filter, it does not amount to an endorsement of such actions, erpecially when the legal requirement is to allow plemty of room when passing and not to ride alongside other vehicles.

 

[Sp!ke]

Sorry, I added to my post above, you might not of seen it before posting amwebby.



I think MAG put it quite well with their definition of lane splitting versus filtering. It would certainly make cases such as this much easier to determine would it not?

 

[amwebby]

So filterimg is when the surrounding traffic is below 20 mph and lane splitting is when it is above? Neither definition makes it legal or, more importantly, safe.

 

[Sp!ke]

That is how Mag would like it defined, yes. It would at least clarify positions such as this incident and make it a relatively simple task to separate safe responsible motorcyclists from the more shall we say...wayward ones, rather than wrapping them in the same 'bad boy' envelope.

One has to look at road users in their entirety. There are various different types of road user that all share the same road space and all types of road user must coexist.

People often use motorcycles and bicycles to cut journey times in traffic. Just because a car can't filter, it shouldn't mean that bicycles or motorcycles can't or shouldn't (unless you are of the view that roads are only for cars). Can you imagine all the bicycles in London not filtering and lining up in single file behind other queued vehicles? It doesn't make sense does it?

So what should we do? Ban all forms of two wheel transport on the public highway or define a set of clearly understood rules to allow all forms of transport to coexist?

If the latter, then surely it is in everyone's interest to better define what is or isn't allowed. The MAG recommendation in my view is a step in the right direction.

If nothing else, we can all in this thread at least agree that there is much confusion when it comes to filtering and the law. Addressing this confusion must be in all parties interest - no?

 

[Dieselman]

[EDIT] You clearly dont like me or other motorcycles do you Dieselman!

I find it difficult to have a discussion with you as you always have to personalise it and throw in snide remarks about people.

As I've said in previous posts I allow motorcycles space when filtering, but if they act stupidly I fail to see what the car driver should be held responsible for their poor actions.

The biker in question was riding swiftly in poor conditions and failed to see a car indicating a change of lanes, which then proceded to slowly, not suddenly.
At 35mph he is doing 15.6 metres per second and has a stopping distance in the region of 60 metres in rain.

If he was 60 meters behind he is not likely to be very visible, if closer then impact is likely, because he is riding too fast for his stopping distance and the conditons.

I note the cars in the next lane had no problem avoiding a collision, presumably they were driving at a speed appropriate to the conditions.

p.s.
The quote in your post #81 clarifies things immensely. The biker was not adhering to the highway code, he was riding too fast.

Thank you.

 

[amwebby]

Following spike's argument it must be ok for narrow cars to filter? After all, if they can squeeze between other traffic, it's silly for them to queue like everyone else, isn't it?

 

[Dieselman]

Following spike's argument it must be ok for narrow cars to filter? After all, if they can squeeze between other traffic, it's silly for them to queue like everyone else, isn't it?

Sod narrow cars..Next time I come across a motorbike I'm going to filter the Merc..

Is that Ok..??

Presumably I won't have to accept any liability when the poor sod is under the wheels..in fact I'll sue him for compo..

 

[popuptoaster]

Following spike's argument it must be ok for narrow cars to filter? After all, if they can squeeze between other traffic, it's silly for them to queue like everyone else, isn't it?

fook that, i sat next a guy i didnt know who gave me a lift to work one morning while he "filtered" his peugeot 205 between two lines of slow moving traffic on the A12 for about 4 miles cos we were late for work in Romford, its way to scary to make a habit of in a car!

 

[Sp!ke]

I find it difficult to have a discussion with you as you always have to personalise it and throw in snide remarks about people.

Awww comon Dieselman, re-read the whole thread again and then say that with sincerity.

Tell me, who threw the first stone?

You seem to be basing your opinion on your view that the rider acted stupidly and/or was riding too swiftly.

What evidence do yo have that the motorcycle was going too fast?

It struggle to understand how you could definitively conclude this when it would appear it is likely that the motorcycle was riding within the 20/20 guide as defined in most acknowledged motorcycle safety literature.

I grant you that there are areas of this incident where we are not privy to the full facts but but in the absence of said evidence, we can only debate within the confines of what is known.


It would be hard to argue that this driver made adequate provision or checks for possible passing motorcyclists prior to her lane change in light of the fact she hit one.... would you not agree?

So your debate seems to hinge on whether or not the motorcyclist should have been there in the first place.

I have provided repeated evidence to show that filtering is recognised and accepted both in the courts, the highway code and in the book of roadcraft. On the flip side, you have produced no evidence to the contrary and yet you still argue till you're blue in the face, your latest post beginning with you saying that that you have difficulty in having a discussion with me?

I have to say, I find that rather amusing.

 

[Koolvin]

This thread is beyond off topic.... Closing

 

[Sp!ke]

this thread is beyond off topic.

.

:d :d :d

weird, it wont let me put in three smilies?

 

[Koolvin]

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:d :d :d

weird, it wont let me put in three smilies?